Police shut down illegal gambling site

STOCKTON - Local police and state agents raided an illegal Internet gambling establishment Tuesday operating out of the busy Lion Center at the northeast corner of Hammer Lane and El Dorado Street.

Joe Goldeen

STOCKTON - Local police and state agents raided an illegal Internet gambling establishment Tuesday operating out of the busy Lion Center at the northeast corner of Hammer Lane and El Dorado Street.

The business, using the name Click It, had been operating at that location for about seven months while investigators compiled enough evidence for a search warrant allowing them to enter the premises, shut down operations and confiscate the equipment.

"We had numerous complaints of prostitution, drug sales and loan sharking. They started out at a spot at Hammer Lane and Kelley Drive and moved here," said Sgt. Scott Graviette with the Stockton police vice unit.

Agents with the state Department of Justice Gambling Division assisted in Tuesday's raid that netted more than $2,000 and 37 computers equipped with card readers. One customer, an admitted gang member, was arrested on two unrelated outstanding warrants.

By purchasing a $2 cash card and putting money on it - typically $20 - patrons could connect to easily accessible Internet gambling sites that are illegal in California. Most played slot machine-type games "complete with spinning cherries like a normal slot machine," Graviette said.

It's the second raid in the past two months of a Stockton business that markets itself as an Internet café while actually accommodating online gambling, and authorities say more busts are imminent as they continue to gather evidence.

"There are others that we are currently investigating. Hopefully, they'll get the message. It's a blight to the surrounding community," Graviette said.

The owner of a nearby longtime business who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for personal safety said that since Click It moved in at the north end of the shopping center, the clientele it attracted were bad for business.

"There is prostitution 24 hours a day. There are underage girls. They are dealing ammunition and guns, selling right in front in the parking lot. They are threatening me every day," the owner said, referring to both customers and some Click It employees.

"I'm glad the police did this, but it took so long. Basically, I'm scared of them. They have guns. It's affecting business and the whole neighborhood," the owner said, noting that children typically walk to and from school through the shopping center.

Graviette said the owner of the business, who was not present during the raid, has been identified. The case will be referred to the District Attorney's Office for further action.